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Mariners Sign Free Agent Catcher Kelly Shoppach

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Press Release |

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik today announced that the club has signed free agent catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year Major League contract for the 2013 season. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Shawn Kelley has been designated for assignment. The Mariners have 10 days to trade, release or outright Kelley to the minor leagues.

Shoppach, 32, appeared in 76 games with the Red Sox and Mets in 2012. In eight Major League seasons the veteran catcher has appeared in 536 games and combined to hit 67 home runs. He ranks 4th among active catchers with a home run every 22.36 at-bats (min. 1,000 PA).

Over the last two seasons Shoppach has a catcher caught stealing percentage of 31.76% (27 CCS, 58 SB), the 6th-best rate in the Majors. Over the course of his career he has combined to throw out 29% of attempted base stealers (89 of 306). The Fort Worth, Texas native was originally selected by Boston Red Sox in the 2nd round of the 2001 June draft out of Baylor University.

Kelley, 28, went 2-4 with a 3.25 ERA (16 ER, 44.1 IP) in 47 relief appearances last season. Over parts of four Major League seasons with the Mariners, the Louisville, Kentucky native has combined for a 3.52 ERA in 120 relief appearances. He was originally selected in the 13th round of the 2007 June draft out of Austin Peay University.